I so rarely check mail here but had a feeling I should this morning ... thank you for the heads-up.

Backhoe, I’m so sorry. It’s a conceit to pretend I’d rather never have to go through what you’re going through than actually live alone but I’m sure that’s not true. I am happy for Miss Emily — I know you must have so many wonderful memories of your lives together — but I’m heartbroken for you and will keep you in my prayers. You’re such a grace to so many. Stay strong.

I so rarely check mail here but had a feeling I should this morning ... thank you for the heads-up. Backhoe, Im so sorry. Its a conceit to pretend Id rather never have to go through what youre going through than actually live alone but Im sure thats not true. I am happy for Miss Emily  I know you must have so many wonderful memories of your lives together  but Im heartbroken for you and will keep you in my prayers. Youre such a grace to so many. Stay strong.

Thank you, old FRiend from the Bloodhound days...( I was just an aggregator of links back then- you and Budge and Clive and others whose names escape me now did the heavy lifting...)

Like I wrote on Free Dominion, "Mostly, I'm OK- except when I'm not..."

She had so much more to give- to the World, and to me-- but I guess the Master Coder, or the First Cause, or the Good Lord Himself had other plans.

I guess I'll find an answer when I cross that Great Divide between life & death and see for myself...

Until then, prayers are appreciated- I really don't know what to do, without her by my side.

412
posted on 07/18/2010 12:36:26 AM PDT
by backhoe
(Just an Old Keyboard Cowboy, ridin' the trakball into the Twilight...)

I found the thread and link on my own.
Tears and prayers and the emptiness and helplessness in knowing there’s nothing I can do to help ease John’s sorrow. I’ll pray and hug you online, dear FRiend (((John))).

Very Big Hug from me to you (you may remember I am a mrs.) You are often in my thoughts.

Thank you- slap your hub on the butt, in memory of Miss Emily.

I did a lot wrong, and I did a lot right, in those 25 years that flew by all too fast... but at least, on that night she died, while she was cutting up that watermelon she would never live to eat, I patted her fanny as I walked by in the kitchen...

You can't do that enough.

437
posted on 08/29/2010 3:00:33 AM PDT
by backhoe
(Just an Old Keyboard Cowboy, ridin' the trakball into the Twilight...)

The Alpha course was developed in response to people who wanted to have the opportunity to investigate the claims of the Christian faith. Over ten weekly sessions, including a day or weekend away, guests hear the claims of the Christian faith. After the presentation, course attendees have a chance to question what they heard and discuss the validity of the claims. The support of all the major Christian denominations has enabled the Alpha course to spread rapidly around the world. Today, Alpha is run in over 160 countries and has been translated into more than 100 languages. Courses can also be found in many contexts including churches, homes, workplaces, military bases, colleges, schools, and prisons. There are many reasons why people enjoy attending the Alpha course. For some its the no pressure, non-judgmental atmosphere, others enjoy building relationships with new friends, while others appreciate the chance to discuss deep questions of life that they dont otherwise get the chance to ask.

WHAT HAPPENS AT ALPHA?

Each Alpha course begins with a meal or refreshments providing a chance to relax and get to know others. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in small groups of about 10 people. Everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.

Alpha courses run in a wide variety of locations and at different times of the day. Courses vary in size, from one small group meeting in a home, to hundreds of people in a larger venue. Some courses are held over morning coffee or during a lunch hour, though most are evening courses, typically lasting 2 hours. Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.

The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a day or weekend away about half way through. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

The Alpha course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues related to the Christian faith.

TOPICS

Week 1: Who is Jesus? Week 2: Why did Jesus die? Week 3: How can we have faith? Week 4: Why and how do I pray? Week 5: Why and how should I read the Bible? Week 6 Full Day: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Week 7: How does God guide us? Week 8: How can I resist evil? Week 9: Why & how should we tell others? Week 10: Does God heal today?

The course curriculum is the book Questions of Life by Nicky Gumbel. Each talk reflects one of the chapters from this book. Please note: There is no obligation to attend all ten sessions.

WHAT THE PRESS SAYS

The New York Times "A novel approach to Christian education that has been catching on nationwide."

Madeleine Bunting, The Guardian "What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning.

The Express London " Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life." Los Angeles Times Alpha helps people navigate through Christianity.

WHAT PAST GUESTS SAY

Anthony: "I didnt expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize."

Rebecca: Our church was offering this course and my husband and I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to share in this spiritual journey. We go to church with our two kids, say our prayers, etc. but something was missing. We wanted to find out what was missing.

Cynthia: I decided to take the Alpha course because I was unsure what it was I believed. I needed something to fill the empty place in my life. I started attending Alpha to seek answers to those basic questions about my faith and who God was.

Heather: I was the typical 20 something who had attended church as a child, but once I became an adult I stopped going. When I returned to church I felt like something was missing in my life. The Alpha course helped me understand more about God. Posted by Bird Dog in Religion at 11:40 | Comments (12)

It sounds like something the we that can never be, again, would have been interested in attending.

That Cursillo we attended- #56? #57?-- back circa 1986 was OK, but IMO separating husbands and wives was a major flaw- how were you supposed to grow, together?

We were a team.

The team is no more.

Time to rise, on hurting feet...

Turn on the water heater for a shower and shave...

And start another day...

By the Shores

of Babylon

We wept for Thee,

Oh! Zion...

♪♪ "...and I straighten Miss Emily's picture on the wall..." ♪♪

-30-

438
posted on 01/17/2011 3:07:59 AM PST
by backhoe
(Just an Old Keyboard Cowboy, ridin' the trakball into the Twilight...)

I can’t quite lay a finger on it, but some time in the last month or so, I quit shedding tears for my Dead Miss Emily.

I have no doubt that more tears for her will flow in the future- Hell’s Eternal Fire, I still have a few for my Dead Miss Helen, she, gone almost 30 years, my Bunny, my Mate, my business Partner, my Life, my very Other, Female Self— and yet, I have to move on.

You cant love the chair she sat in, or her car, or her place in the bed— she ( both shes ) is gone, to wherever good people go— whether it’s the oblivion of a snuffed-out candle, or dancing among the stars, I cannot say— and neither can all the preacher-men and Priests and Rabbis and Shamans, for all their learning.

Like I say, We’ll find out when we get there...

439
posted on 06/08/2011 5:10:42 AM PDT
by backhoe
(Just an Old Keyboard Cowboy, ridin' the trakball into the Twilight...)

After that terrible black cloud lifted in May I threw my Golden Pal in the car and went to the Island to hunt up the widow of an old friend of mine. They had a store next to one of mine, and when the Mall here burned we all got career changes.

They became Realtors on the Island and he died right before Emily did- fibrosis. Anyway, we talk, I see her some, tend her house & sea of cats when she’s away. Been repairing things neglected since her husband went terminal 2 1/2 years ago- on the water things break down fast.

About a month ago she emailed me “My business needs a Runner ( courier ) once a week- can you do it?” “Standing on my head,” sez I.

It’s a start.

My kindest regards to you all here.

446
posted on 12/16/2011 2:25:19 PM PST
by backhoe
(Just a Merry-Hearted Keyboard Pirate Boy, plunderin' his way across the InterToobs)

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